Does anyone have any thoughts on the Georgian conflict? Is Russia justified into entering the South Ossentian to free what they believe are ethnic Russians? Or should this have been done politically rather than militarily? Thoughts?

neither side is to trust thats clear. There was no ethnic cleansing from what I know, but maybe Im wrong. Ossestia is part of Georgia, and Russia has one the worst goverments with a "democracy". So I would probably think that what Russia is doing is worst. Then again the US backs Georgia. What is clear is that civilians dying in Ossetia are the only innocent ones.

I've heard the "genocide" rumors as well, I believe the last number I read was 1200. However, the evidence on it is really scant to say the least.

I do side with Russia on this conflict though. If in fact, elections were held (as I read somewhere) and the Ossentians decided to join Russia then they are justified wanting to join. The United States siding with the Georgians in this case, is quite shortsighted and only reminds me of Cold War policies/politics coming into place. Self-Determination is a principle the United States ardently believes in, therefore, technically speaking they should side with the Ossentians and not the Georgians.

But there's more to this story. I'm beginning to think that it's Russia attempting, slowly at that, to regain its past glory as a superpower. Possibly, wanting that status back.

I've heard the "genocide" rumors as well, I believe the last number I read was 1200. However, the evidence on it is really scant to say the least.

I do side with Russia on this conflict though. If in fact, elections were held (as I read somewhere) and the Ossentians decided to join Russia then they are justified wanting to join. The United States siding with the Georgians in this case, is quite shortsighted and only reminds me of Cold War policies/politics coming into place. Self-Determination is a principle the United States ardently believes in, therefore, technically speaking they should side with the Ossentians and not the Georgians.

But there's more to this story. I'm beginning to think that it's Russia attempting, slowly at that, to regain its past glory as a superpower. Possibly, wanting that status back.

No doubt that Russia wants to regain he former glory, and the US siding with Georgia is a faint hearted attempt to keep that from happening, just like when they provided arms into Aphganistan to help them, fight off the Russians 20 years ago.

It's easy... Georgia was at one point part of Soviet Union and after its collapse they separated... now parts of Georgia wants to do the same... separate.

Russia supports separation territories since it has mostly Russian population and Russia being the only true super nuclear power not named US there is nothing that Americans can do... its the same way when US supported Kosovo's separation from Serbia... Russia screamed & yelled just like American do now but US will not risk open conflict... not for Georgia anyway.

It sounds a bit like the Georgians were suckered into firing back at a few shots from the Ossentians. And then the Russians were ready to move in from there. Very much like the wink wink the US gave to Iraq about going into Kuwait. And no need to make up stories about premature babies being tossed out of incubators.